Oxford, Ohio - Three MSU goals in the third period Saturday night saved the Spartans' weekend.
The No. 15 Spartans (7-4-1 overall, 6-3-1 CCHA) managed two points against Miami (Ohio) with a 3-1 victory Saturday night after a 4-2 debacle Friday.
"First of all, (Dominic Vicari) played great and was there mentally, blocking out the crowd," junior center Jim Slater said of the freshman goaltender's 66-save weekend. "I think all the freshmen played well in this environment. And coming down here and staying overnight in the hotel, eating team meals together is a lot of fun.
"And it's a good time to spend with the boys and leave the girlfriends at home."
Friday left MSU head coach Rick Comley looking for some players willing to compete. Saturday grossed a few, but the Spartans looked as though they'd been through a 12-round title bout.
And they have, sort of.
"We've had a physical month of play," Comley said. "We've played teams that wear on you a little bit, and we look like it right now. We look like a tired team right now."
The Spartans are in second place in the CCHA with 13 points, just one point behind top-ranked Ohio State.
Friday's loss to the RedHawks (6-6-2, 4-3-1) ended the Spartans' six-game unbeaten streak, but Slater said MSU is determined to begin a new one.
"Anytime you can win a big game, like (Saturday) was for us, it gives you a lot of confidence," Slater said. "And we've always felt we can beat anyone.
"We're playing Wayne State next weekend and we're worrying about Thursday night's game - and that's it."
The confidence Slater speaks of was evident in Vicari. The freshman goaltender earned the starting nod both nights, leaving junior goaltender Matt Migliaccio on the pine. But Comley said the weekend's move doesn't cement his freshman as MSU's No. 1 goaltender.
"He certainly has played very well," Comley said. "He earned the right to play unequal minutes. How much he'll play or what we'll do, we'll just play it by ear."
Despite Friday's loss, Vicari stood tall, taking 42 shots his way while saving 38 en route to the game's No. 3 star. This puck shower continued Saturday as the RedHawks aimed 29 shots the netminder's way. But Vicari showed the 2,237 in attendance at Goggin Ice Arena why he was the game's No. 1 star.
"It was a great opportunity to play both games, especially on the road," Vicari said. "It gives you that sense that you're doing the right things."
Comley left the arena pleased not only with his goaltender's play, but the play of his entire team against a tough RedHawk squad.
"It was a struggle - It was just a good two points," Comley said. "It would have been very easy to go out of there with zero. You know we got banged up, and they're a good team. They work hard and they make it tough on you.
"Any win on the road is good, but after a game you're so frustrated (Friday) and to come back (Saturday) and go home makes the trip home a lot nicer."
